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Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Healthy

April 1, 2016

Have you had your cat’s teeth checked lately? Proper dental care is very important to your kitty’s health! Just like people, felines can develop painful dental issues. Your feline friend can’t brush her teeth, and she can’t tell you if her mouth hurts, so it’s up to you to monitor her oral health. A local Las Vegas, NV veterinarian discusses caring for your kitty’s teeth in this article.

Warning Signs

Bad breath is one of the most common symptoms of feline dental trouble. Other red flags include yellow tartar buildup; bleeding gums; pus; drooling; lack of appetite; and difficulty chewing. You’ll also want to watch for general signs that your pet isn’t feeling well, such as hiding, unusual behavior or vocalizations, and poor grooming. Your cat may also paw at her face if her teeth hurt, and she may act a bit grumpy. Keep in mind that cats often try to mask signs of illness, so your kitty may not show any symptoms until she’s in a lot of pain. Contact your vet immediately if your cat has any of these warning signs.

Common Dental Problems

Cats can develop many of the same dental problems as people can. Gum disease is very widespread among our feline friends. This is a serious issue, because the infection can be spread from your pet’s gums to her vital organs, and can contribute to some very serious health problems, such as heart disease. Some other dental problems in cats include loose or missing teeth, abscesses, and infections. Tooth resorption is also not uncommon in our feline friends, and can be quite painful.

Feline Dental Care

Most cats should have their teeth examined by a vet at least once a year. Dental issues are handled case-by-case, so if your pet does have a problem with her teeth, your vet will discuss treatment after a diagnosis has been made. As for home care, brushing is the best way to keep your cat’s mouth healthy. This is of course much easier with kittens, but many adult cats can learn to tolerate having their teeth brushed. Ask your vet for specific advice, including product recommendations. Last but not least, make sure your kitty always has fresh water.

Do you have questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? We are here to help! Contact us, your Las Vegas, NV animal hospital, today!